Over the years, Lawrence Township has been the nesting ground for some of soccer’s greatest innovators.

Glenn “Mooch” Myernick, Tom Bartolino and Tim Murphy are just a few of the game’s influential figures who began in Lawrenceville. In an effort to carry on the long lineage of the nationally respected soccer tradition, the Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association continues to foster the development of more than 700 boys and girls in both recreational and competitive soccer.

To make it all work, a club needs good teachers, and the Hamnett is fortunate to have many. One has caught the attention of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Chris Thomas, a volunteer coach for the Hamnett, was named National Recreation Soccer Coach of the Year by the NSCAA in Indianapolis at its annual convention dinner last month.

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“It is really nice to see Chris receive recognition for all his hard work. He not only volunteers his time to the many players in our rec program, but he’s also made a commitment to improving himself through acquiring advanced coaching certifications,” said club president Rico Scardelletti.

What makes Thomas so effective on the training ground is his continued effort to further his soccer education. Last year, Thomas traveled to Florida to receive his National C coaching license. He is the head coach of three teams ranging from 9- to 13-year-olds, each of which play two games every weekend during the rec seasons. He is the division-wide trainer and spends three hours working with more than 40 players during training sessions. He also implemented a new technical training session, offered one night per week, which focuses on technical development. Thomas also handles various logistical responsibilities for the club, serving as a field marshal between games, serving on the club’s board and writing the training curriculum. In addition, Thomas still manages his professional career in the music industry.

“The award is an appreciated acknowledgement of the success that Lawrence Hamnett has had in developing skilled soccer players of strong character. LHSA has a long and rich history in the national soccer community, and it is an honor to bring this recognition to the club and the kids in our community who continue to show their dedication year after year,” said Thomas.

Thomas, who does not have any children currently playing for the club, has volunteered countless hours and is brilliant in how he can relate to players on an individual basis, getting them to understand their decision making process on the field rather than trying to dictate their every move.

“Chris’ (Thomas) style and the environment he creates are very conducive to kids learning and having fun. He’s a humble and earnest guy who does things on and off the field to benefit our players, like putting together player development programs and curriculums and then implements them. This is no ordinary coach,” said Scardelletti

Most importantly, Thomas makes the game fun for the kids; keeping them at the forefront of all his coaching decisions and making them feel good about their participation in youth soccer and the development of their skills. He is role model for how youth soccer coaches should behave.

“Our focus on providing players with a pathway to development through the various programs we have implemented in recent years has been incredibly rewarding,” said Thomas.

Thomas, who was named NJYS Recreation Coach of the Year in 2012, is not the only coach who has been recognized for his work with you. Scardelletti won the McNulty Coach of the Year award in 2004. The Hamnett’s Vice President of Recreation Sue Glass, is also a former winner of the Recreation Coach of the Year award.

Thomas and all the volunteer coaches at the Hamnett will continue to develop himself as a coach as well as help his players learn and love the game, ultimately continuing the tremendous soccer tradition that resides in Lawrence Township.